Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering

19/06/2026

⚡ This week’s spotlight is on Professor Alex Baitch AM FTSE.

An internationally recognised leader in engineering, Professor Baitch is one of Australia's most experienced electrical power system engineers. His work has helped shape the development of Australia's power systems, improve electricity system stability and efficiency, and advance emerging technologies in distributed generation.

Throughout his distinguished career, Professor Baitch played a significant role in the engineering profession, including serving as National President of Engineers Australia in 2014. His expertise in complex electricity distribution technologies and electrotechnical standards has earned him recognition both nationally and internationally. 🌏

This month, Professor Baitch was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the King’s Birthday Honours for significant service to power systems engineering and to electrotechnical standards.

Join us in congratulating Professor Baitch on this well-deserved recognition and celebrating his outstanding contributions to engineering and Australia's energy future. 👏


🔗 Learn more about Professor Baitch: https://www.atse.org.au/who-we-are/our-fellows/all-fellows/alexander-baitch/

18/06/2026

🔬 Exploring the frontiers of discovery in Germany.

This week, ATSE CEO Professor Kylie Walker AM visited the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics in Heidelberg, gaining a firsthand look at some of the cutting-edge research helping unlock the mysteries of our universe.

The visit highlighted the value of international collaboration and access to world-class research infrastructure in advancing scientific discovery. Facilities such as those at the Max Planck Institute enable researchers to tackle complex challenges and pursue breakthroughs that would be difficult to achieve in isolation.

Among those Kylie met were:
🔹 Holger Kreckel, whose research uses a molecule accelerator to replicate conditions found in deep space, helping scientists better understand the chemistry of the universe.

🔹 Sven Sturm, who is using highly precise magnetic instrumentation to study the behaviour of infinitesimally small particles and test the foundations of modern physics.

🔹 Teresa Marrodan Undagoitia, whose work focuses on understanding dark matter. To minimise interference from even the smallest particles of light and radiation, her experiments are conducted deep underground using ultra-stable materials, including shielding made from lead recovered from ancient Roman shipwrecks.

The Max Planck Society operates 85 research institutes, primarily across Germany, and is internationally recognised for advancing fundamental research. Visits like this reinforce the importance of connecting Australian researchers and innovators with global networks, expertise and state-of-the-art facilities that accelerate discovery and translate knowledge into impact.

Thank you to the team at the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics for sharing their insights into the discoveries and the facilities shaping our understanding of the universe.

18/06/2026

🎯 Achieving net zero will require ambition, practicality and evidence-based action.

ATSE outlines four key actionable priorities to help Australia meet its 2030, 2035 and 2050 emissions reduction targets while strengthening economic resilience and global competitiveness.

⚡ Accelerate the electrification and decarbonisation of Australia's energy systems
🔬 Invest in research, development and commercialisation to reduce emissions from non-energy and hard-to-abate sources
📊 Strengthen the integrity and transparency of carbon accounting
👷 Build the workforce, governance and planning systems needed to support the transition

Australia has an opportunity to lead through technology innovation, effective governance and investment in people, creating new industries, supporting communities and delivering long-term prosperity.

📖 Read the full position statement: https://atse.org.au/what-we-do/strategic-advice/pathways-to-australian-decarbonisation/

17/06/2026

🏆 Know an engineer whose work is making a real impact?

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Engineer of the Year Awards, part of Engineers Australia’s Excellence Awards.

The awards recognise outstanding engineering achievement across a broad range of disciplines and career stages — from emerging professionals through to established leaders helping shape Australia's future through innovation, leadership and technical excellence.

📅 Nominations close Wednesday 1 July 2026.

🔗 Learn more and submit a nomination: https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/about-us/excellence-awards-program/engineer-year-awards

17/06/2026

🤖 Great discussions at today's symposium in Sydney.

Experts from industry, academia and the non-government sector explored the opportunities and challenges of the AI transition, from infrastructure and productivity to workforce impacts, ethics and governance.

A recurring theme throughout the day was that Australia's AI future will depend not only on technological capability, but also on the decisions we make now around governance, workforce implications and responsible deployment along with how AI can boost productivity.

The event was led by ATSE's NSW Division in partnership with Engineers Australia and supported by UTS: University of Technology Sydney and UNSW.

Thank you to all our speakers, panellists and attendees for contributing to these important conversations, and a special thanks to Scientia Professor Toby Walsh FTSE FAA for sharing his insights as keynote speaker.

16/06/2026

Australia's future prosperity depends on a skilled and diverse STEM workforce. Yet too many talented Australians continue to face barriers to pursuing education and careers.

📢 In ATSE’s submission to the inquiry into the factors driving educational attainment, we highlight the importance of evidence-based programs that improve participation and outcomes for underrepresented groups across the education pipeline.

A key recommendation is for the Australian Government to provide funding to extend the Elevate: Boosting diversity in STEM program, supporting more capable young people to study STEM degrees and ensuring the continued operation of a program with an exceptional track record of reducing gender-based barriers in STEM education.

👩‍🔬 Through financial support, mentoring, skill-building workshops and professional networking opportunities, is helping build the diverse STEM workforce Australia needs to drive innovation, productivity and economic growth.

🔗 Read more in our submission:

ATSE calls for the Australian Government to provide funding to extend the Elevate program for additional scholars, ensuring the continued operation of an evidence-based program with an exceptional track record of reducing gender-based barriers in Australian STEM education.

15/06/2026

☀️ One of Australia’s greatest scientific success stories began with a simple goal: make solar cells more efficient.

Over three decades, researchers at UNSW repeatedly broke world records for solar cell efficiency, transforming solar energy from a niche technology into one of the world’s cheapest sources of electricity. Today, the technology pioneered by their team powers the vast majority of solar panels produced globally and has helped create a trillion-dollar industry.

Long-term investment in science delivers benefits far beyond the laboratory, creating new industries, strengthening Australia's economy and helping solve global challenges.

We're proud to see all the contributions that Professor Martin Green AM FRS FTSE FAA, Emeritus Professor Andrew Blakers AO FTSE FAA and Professor Stuart Wenham FTSE made to this remarkable Australian success story.

This story is one of many highlighted through the Australian Academy of Science’s Restore Science campaign, which showcases the profound impact Australian science has had on our lives, demonstrating the importance of sustained investment in R&D to drive the next generation of breakthroughs.

📖 Read more: https://restorescience.com.au/science-done-here/when-solar-breakthrough-became-broken-record

15/06/2026

💡 Inspire the next generation of STEM leaders.

Every young Australian deserves the opportunity to explore science, technology and engineering, regardless of their background or postcode.

Through ATSE’s program, students gain access to curriculum-aligned, hands-on STEM learning kits focused on sustainability, engineering and renewable energy. These resources spark curiosity, build confidence and help create pathways to future STEM careers.

However, many schools in low socio-economic communities cannot access these opportunities without additional support. That’s why ATSE established the STELR Fund, which helps provide STELR kits and resources to schools where they might otherwise be out of reach.

This , your tax-deductible donation can help extend the reach of the STELR program and bring hands-on STEM learning to more students and schools across Australia.

Together, we can ensure that talent and curiosity — not circumstance — shape the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.

💙 Donate today and help inspire future STEM leaders: https://givenow.com.au/atse-stelr-fund

13/06/2026

🤖 Last chance to join the conversation on Australia's AI future.

As continues to reshape our economy, workplaces and society, how can Australia harness its benefits while navigating the economic, social and ethical challenges ahead?

Join leading experts from industry, academia and the non-government sector for a full-day symposium exploring the opportunities, risks and policy choices that will define the AI transition.

🎙️ The AI transition: What are the economics, social and ethical impacts?
📅 Wednesday 17 June 2026
🕘 9:00am – 5:00pm AEST
📍 Engineers Australia Auditorium
🎟️ $50 Students
🎟️ $200 & Engineers Australia Fellows
🎟️ $300 General public

Presented in partnership between ATSE, Engineers Australia, UTS: University of Technology Sydney and UNSW, the event will feature welcome remarks from Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM FTSE FAA and a keynote address by Scientia Professor Toby Walsh FTSE FAA.

📲 Register now and join the discussion: https://atse.org.au/events/the-ai-transition-what-are-the-economics-social-and-ethical-impacts/

12/06/2026

🌏 Yesterday, ATSE was at Connected Continents: A New Era of EU-Australia Research Cooperation through Horizon Europe, with colleagues from across the STEM sector and European science.

Association with Horizon Europe is a game changer for Australian research and development, commercialisation and innovation. It opens new paths for Australians to collaborate internationally, access world-leading scientific infrastructure and participate in ambitious research projects.

It was fantastic to see Professor Elanor Huntington FTSE and Professor Attila Brungs AO FTSE contributing to the discussion alongside European Union representatives and the Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science, the Hon Senator Tim Ayres.

ATSE looks forward to working with the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources as arrangements are established and Australia begins this exciting new chapter of international collaboration.

🔗 More on Horizon Europe: https://www.atse.org.au/news/access-to-horizon-europe-research-fund-one-step-closer/